Mnangagwa, Chiwenga project unity at Zanu-PF conference

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, projected a strong image of unity at the Zanu-PF annual conference in Mutare on Friday, following weeks of reports suggesting a deepening rift between the two leaders.

Earlier in September, Chiwenga had criticised Mnangagwa during a politburo meeting, alleging the president quietly supported moves to extend his term to 2030 and shielded allies accused of corruption. Mnangagwa responded days later, with party loyalists launching a public critique of Chiwenga, with accusations of unchecked ambition and even "treasonous" behaviour.

Many observers predicted the Mutare conference could mark the end of Chiwenga's political influence. However, on Friday, the two men appeared aligned. Chiwenga introduced Mnangagwa with a speech echoing the president's rhetoric, emphasising liberation war imagery, party discipline, and anti-corruption messaging.

Government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana posted a photograph of Mnangagwa conferring with Chiwenga, describing their exchange as part of a "vigorous democratic process." Presidential spokesman George Charamba highlighted moments that surprised delegates, including Mnangagwa turning to Chiwenga's wife for Ndebele pronunciation help and later handing the day's proceedings to the vice president.

Both men's speeches coincided on key issues, particularly corruption. Mnangagwa stated: "Corruption, corruption, corruption, of any kind, has no place among the rank and file of the party membership and indeed, in our country. It is cancerous to the ongoing national development agenda."

Mnangagwa also appeared to close the door on term-extension speculation, reaffirming that elections would be held in 2028 and urging party members to focus on recruitment and mobilisation for the harmonised general elections.

While Zimbabwean politics is known for rapid shifts, Friday's display signalled that, at least for now, Chiwenga remains firmly inside the party's leadership circle, and Zanu-PF projects an image of stability ahead of the 2028 electoral cycle.